Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
don't eat before going if you're prone to motion sickness. Some agencies also offer
paragliding courses.
RAFTING
Rivers in Mérida and Barinas states have Class III to V rapids. Rafting season is from June to
November, it's possible in December but companies don't generally take advance bookings
due to unpredictable water levels. Two-day trips cost around BsF1300 per person for five
people; four-day trips cost double. Some agencies have private camps in Barinas where you'll
spend the night.
LOS LLANOS AND CATATUMBO
Mérida is the main staging point for guided trips to Los Llanos (see p.894), the wildlife-filled
wetlands east of the Andes. Prices for a four-day trip, which often include some rafting, are
around BsF2000. The natural phenomenon of the Catatumbo lightning occurs on average
three out of every four nights of the year. Most companies only go for one night and prices are
around BsF1400. If you want to double your chances of seeing it, Alan Highton (see below)
goes for two nights.
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TOUR OPERATORS
Colibrí In Posada Suiza T 0274 252 4961, W colibri-
tours.com. This expert outfit is one of Mérida's oldest
and can sort out every activity including tailor-made
trips. Ask about the owner's signature Jají day-trip and
he'll draw you a map.
Fanny Tours C 24 between Av 8 & Parque Las Heroínas
T 0274 252 2952, W fanny-tours.com. No sniggering
about the name! Specializes in mountaineering; also
offers trips to Los Llanos. Multiple languages spoken,
including English.
Gravity Tours C 24 between avenidas 7 & 8 T 0274
251 1279, W gravity-tours.com.ve. Offers a popular
two-day combo of mountain biking and rafting for
BsF1300, as well as trips throughout the country. Very
helpful, English-speaking staff.
Guamanchi Expeditions C 24 between Av 8 & Parque
Las Heroínas T 0274 252 2080, W guamanchi.com. With
more than 20 years of experience in the Andes and Los
Llanos, this company supplies quality equipment for its
specialities of climbing and trekking. Also offers day-trips
to Laguna Negra (see p.894) and birdwatching tours.
Alan Highton T 0414 756 2575. Local community
worker who runs the best available tour to the
Catatumbo lightning, a three-day/two-night expedi-
tion for BsF1400. Alan's also a butterfly expert and will
share his passion with you: he's even had a species
named after him.
Tony Martin T 0416 973 1682. A Los Llanos native
and jack-of-all-trades, Tony is an experienced, enthu-
siastic and knowledgeable English-speaking guide
who runs four-day trips to his home region.
mountains as well as safes and cable TV. The restaurant
downstairs is a good place for a coffee br eak while wandering
the hilly backstreets. Breakfast included. BsF320
Buona Pizza Av 7 between calles 24 & 25 T 0274 251
2420. Chunks of gooey mozzarella on crunchy-crusted
pizzas follow Nonna's original recipe. This long-standing
restaurant dresses itself up for the holidays and offers
some quirky toppings; who knew guava was good on
a pizza? There's an “Express” version across the street for
takeaway. Daily noon-11pm.
Delicias Mexicanas Ground floor of Hotel Altamira , C 25
between avenidas 7 and 8 T 0274 252 8677 (for hotel
reception). Pricey, but if you need your taco fix this stylish
eatery is the place to come. Does the Tex-Mex classics
alongside a few interesting attempts at Andean-fusion,
mainly involving trout. Daily noon-10pm.
Ì Heladería Coromoto Av 3 between calles 28 & 29.
This Mérida institution holds the Guinness World Record
for the most ice-cream flavours (860!), although with a
menu including sardines-in-brandy, pabellón criollo and
beer, the importance of the record clearly got a bit out of
EATING
The cuisine from Mérida and the Andes is famous
throughout the country. Some specialities include arepas
de trigo (made from wheat flour), queso ahumado (smoked
cheese) and trucha (trout). Vino de mora is wine made
from blackberries.
Ì La Astilla C 14 between avenidas 2 & 3 T 0274 251
0832. They eventually decided on every colour when they
chose the paint scheme for this place. Positioned on the
leafy Plaza Milla, much of the vegetation has made its way
inside. Friendly staff, tiled tabletops, local specialities like
trout (BsF85), pizza (BsF36) and the best batidos you'll find
in town. Across the way, El Andino is another good option
in less colourful settings. Daily 8am-10pm.
 
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